This is the first of a podcast series focused on low voltage surge protective devices. Joining us today to discuss how these devices work is Jennifer Friedline, Associate Product Manager–Surge Protection Devices, with Thomas & Betts.

The U.S. Department of Energy recently amended Section 431 of the federal energy code covering the efficiency of electric motors, and this new regulation takes effect on June 1, 2016. In response, the NEMA Motor & Generator Section developed an informative presentation, which they will offer via webinar beginning in April. Joining us to discuss the changes and the webinar series are the section’s Energy Management Committee Chairman Rob Boteler and Immediate Past Chairman John Malinowski.

Recently, our field reps attended the National Electrical Code® (NEC) 2017 First Draft meetings. Today we chat with Bryan Holland, NEMA’s Southern Regional Field Rep, and Don Iverson, NEMA’s Midwest Field Rep, about the meetings and the importance of revising the electrical code every three years.

From February 17-20, the sixth conference on Innovative Smart Grid Technologies makes its way to Washington, D.C. This year’s theme focuses on the future of the smart grid. How will renewables and emerging technologies converge with the present grid? How do we create smart energy systems?

The NEMA Lighting Systems Division developed a white paper to assist policy makers and government officials in evaluating the important considerations related to their goals to procure energy-efficient lighting systems for their agencies and for state or local communities. Craig Updyke, Manager for Trade and Commercial Affairs in NEMA’s Government Relations Department, clarifies the division’s goals and intentions related to this new white paper.

NEMA’s Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section launched an updated version of its website, nemasurge.org. The website, home to the NEMA Surge Protection Institute, provides information and resources to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers related to surge protection. The website not only looks more appealing, but information is now easier to find.

The holidays are quickly approaching. Did you know an average of 230 home fires begin with Christmas trees each year? Another 150 fires beginning with holiday lights and other decorative lighting. Julie Chavanne, communications director of the Electrical Safety Foundation International, joins us to discuss how to keep family and friends safe throughout the holiday season.

Electrical and alarm contractor licensing, construction permitting, and job-site inspection is a fundamental regulatory activity in nearly every state in the U.S. Ineffective or improper regulation of construction can have devastating consequences. NEMA’s Southern Regional Field Representative Bryan Holland joins us to talk about the importance of these activities.

This podcast is part of series focused on NEMA’s new Electric Resistance Heating Section. Today we’re discussing zone heating and its associated benefits with Kelly Stinson, manager of R&D and renewable product engineering at Dimplex North America.